Cheers to Chedz Cakes!

I have a sweet tooth and obviously my meal would never be complete without any desserts or something sweet. I tried a lot of cakes and pastries in the city until a good friend of mine, Sheryl of My Dolce Vita talked about Chedz Cakes. This is owned and managed by Cecille Anne G. Corazo. Sheryl told me that they have a free cake tasting which is not common in most of the cake shops here in Cebu City. She asked me to fill-out this FORM online to get a schedule which I did. I was surprised because the owner replied through email confirming the schedule for the cake tasting.

I went to their office but unfortunately Cecille Anne wasn't there because she went on a vacation. However, I was glad because the one who attended me named Che-Che was so nice and accommodating. I thought that they'll only give me cake slices because it is just a free cake tasting but after asking for my identification, they gave me a box of four junior-size cakes.

Now, take a look at these pictures and be familiar with the establishment's facade for your cake orders. They are located in Gorordo Ave., near BDO.
 

Lifetime Events Depot Directory

Main Entrance



They surprised me with four junior-size premium cakes that are so colorful and the smell was so tempting. By the smell itself you can say that this is one of a kind. See below how these cakes are well-designed and crafted.


Four Junior-Size Cakes

Now, let me introduce each of the premium cakes they gave me. The first one is the Black Forest Cake which is one of my favorites because this is not the typical chocolate cake that we always eat from any cake shops. When you slice it, you will see that in the middle of the cake is a thick chocolate that is well-balanced. Definitely great for chocolate cake lovers!
 

Black Forest Cake - designed with whipped cream and topped with semi-sweet chocolate shavings and cherries to balance the chocolate overload on the cake.

I love the second premium cake which is the Mango Cake, topped with carefully-selected Cebu's finest mangoes. It is a great combination of the butter icing and mangoes even on the inside. This is simply irresistable!

Cebu Mango Cake - the butter icing compliments well with the fresh mangoes on the cake

The third on the list is the Ube or Purple Yam Cake which is also good. The color is highly-noticeable but I need to be honest here, I did not consume a lot of this because I find it so sweet. I don't know if it was just that time that the cake was really sweet for me but I'm sure for the others, they would definitely consume everything.

Ube Cake (Purple Yam) - the color is so attractive and it looks so dainty as well. Topped with cherries to make it so lively.
  

The last but definitely not the least is my most favorite of the four...Cappuccino Cake. You will really taste the coffee as the main ingredient of the cake. I also like its filling in the middle of the cake because it will let you crave for more because of the bitter-like taste and aroma.


Cappuccino Cake - showered with semi-sweet chocolate shavings and pinches of cherries. If you love coffee-based desserts, this is perfect for you.

   
I'm sure right now you've been drooling over these pictures and can't wait to taste it. But wait, there's more...they are not only good with classic cakes. They also bake premium cupcakes and they are famous when it comes to customizing cake designs for weddings, birthdays, debuts, baptisms and other occasions that you can choose from their file or your preferred theme or concept.

 

Basta Chedz, lami jud...kaayo!

For more information and your orders, feel free to contact:

Cecille Anne G. Corazo

Chedz Cakes Cebu

Lifetime Events Depot

101 Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City

 (032)416-1519

Bongga sa Chowabungga!

If you are hungry and can't decide on what to eat, visit Chowabungga and they will take you around the world with their menu and that makes it fabuluos or bongga in Tagalog. They have food from the Land of the Rising Sun, the Midde Kingdom, the Incredible India, South of the Border, the land of Stars and Stripes and the all-time Pinoy Favorites. The most popular meal in the menu are the Sillets (from the words sinangag or fried rice and omellete or scrambled eggs) where the rice is perfectly wrapped by scrambled eggs and topped with your choice of viand like tocino, tapa, danggit or fried fish or bacon. They also have sandwiches and cold treats like ice cream, halo-halo, mais con yelo and shakes.

One evening, Sheryl of My Dolce Vita, Ivan of  AllenZan and I decided to dine at Chowabungga located in Cebu I.T. Park. By the way, they also have a branch in Mango Ave. right across National Bookstore but since we are already in I.T. Park, we decided to just go nearby. The ambience for both branches are so homey or should i say cozy. Eating alone at Chowabungga is never intimidating. Their staff and crew are so polite and friendly.

this is in Cebu I.T. Park

some photos of their menu

this is in Mango Avenue


our priority number

The food will only take around 10-15 minutes to be served so it's not that bad if you are really hungry. It's worth the wait I should say. While waiting, you can even grab something from To Go Convenience store which I believe managed by the same owner. Anyway, here are our orders:

Tuna Roll

Chowa Beef Bowl

Beef Quesadillas

a view of what is inside the Beef Quesadillas

Ngohiong

Value Meal #1 (Barbecue and Ngohiong)

Yes, what you see is true. The last picture tells that they also have value meals for those who are on a tight budget. It ranges from Php55.00 to Php85.00...affordable right? Try it and you will surely love Chowabungga!

Check out their Facebook page by clicking HERE or contact them through their numbers below:


Chowabungga!

IT Park Cebu, Lahug
(032) 416-9837

Mango Avenue
(032) 266-4639

Best Blog Awards 2013

I just started blogging but I am going to nominate a few blogs that I find so interesting. I always love reading different posts or blogs and this is to answer Sheryl of My Dolce Vita.she is one of my favorite bloggers because she influenced me why I am doing it too. Also, she is an inspiration because she is a wonder mom and a loving housewife. She knows how to balance her life and work. Her blog doesn't only talk about a specific topic. She loves to explore a lot of dining places in Cebu City, share her recipes and discoveries and would even post something about her family. Thank you for nominating me, Sheryl. All the best!

Sheryl nominated me along with other bloggers,  (check her post HERE) to make other blogs known to others and in the entire blogosphere and maybe introduce new bloggers through this initiative.

Below are my favorite blogs that I don't fail to read. These bloggers inspire and motivate me to post more and share everything about food, lifestyle, travel and simply being a human.

The Londoner - Rosie's posts never fail to let me imagine how beautiful London is. I also love her sense of fashion. She is simple yet elegant and that makes her very pretty. Also, everytime she posts recipes or D-I-Y food discoveries, it makes me drool and wanted me to give it a try as well. No wonder she is one of the most popular bloggers in the whole world. She deserves a two-thumbs up!

ILuvCebu - Doyle is one of the popular bloggers in Cebu City and his posts are simply amazing. He talks about where to stay, what to do and where to dine if you are in the Queen City of the South. His blog also features activities and other engagements happening in the city. Check it out if you are planning to discover Cebu City.

The Petticoat - Etienne or Chen is known to be a fashion blogger. Aside from being so cute, I love her posts because it is so candid, like she is being real and I also love how she dresses up. Her fashion statement is so simple but it looks good. I know that I can't dress up like her but I always recommend her blogs to all of my girl friends as an inspiration on how to carry one's clothing.

LamiKaayo! - This means delicious in English and masarap in Tagalog. This blog is managed by Marco who is from Pampanga and is currently based in Cebu City. Because we have a common denominator which is eating, that is one of the reasons why I love to read his posts. He always updates us with what is the latest food craze in town. Definitely a food blogger!

So these are my most favorite blogs of all time and they all deserve the "Best Blog and Versatile Blogger" award. If you have your own favorite blogs, share them with a post like this.

Once again, I was nominated by Sheryl of My Dolce Vita. She was nominated by Noelfy of Noelimits.

Heaven In A Pie: Blueberry Cheesecake

Our family is so close and we have to make sure that we gather once in awhile to keep the bond especially if I have the chance to go home and visit them in the province. Now that I'm already here in Cebu City, I don't get to see my families and relatives always. However, everytime I go home and visit them in the province, one of my itineraries is to visit my aunt's house. Aside from seeing them again, I know that a lot of food will be served at their house expecially if she is aware that I'm home. She knows how to bake cakes and pastries and that's what we always ask from her.

When I gave her a visit, she was glad to find out that I was able to visit them in the province. As usual, I had my lunch at their house. I can say that our meal will never be complete without any desserts or something sweet. My aunt took something from the fridge and I thought that it was her famous leche flan but only to find out that it was a blueberry cheesecake.

To pay respect, I got a slice of it and oh my...I did not expect that it was very delicious and mouth-watering and I can say that it's one of the best blueberry cheesecakes that I've tasted. Though the blueberries were not generously poured on top but it was fine to balance it's sweet and tangy flavor. The creamcheese is so consistent and what I like the most is the pie itself. Instead of using the typical Graham crackers or any butter cookies, she used chocolate cookies. It may look very sweet but when I tasted it, it's not that sweet and that made me crave for more. I did not even noticed that I consumed half of it. If it's not because of my mom who reprimanded me to stop eating and leave a portion for my little cousins, I wouldn't stop eating it. This is one of my favorite desserts in the world and I can say, it's definitely a heaven in a pie!

Thanks, Aunt Armie for this mouth-watering dessert!

Cupcake Overload: Angelica's Bakeshop

Angelica's Bakeshop has been in Cebu City for a long time now. I can say that they are one of the best bakeshops in town that can be compared to Goldilocks, Red Ribbon or Leona's. Like any other bakeshops, they offer a lot of cakes, different breads and pastries that can surely satisfy your cravings plus the value of your money.

They have a lot of branches strategically situated in the entire city of Cebu. I know that they have a branch in Jones Ave., JY Square Mall, Parkmall, Banilad Town Center and Gaisano GrandMall in Lapu-Lapu City. I always visit their branch near my place here in Jones Avenue and I like the staff because they are so warm and accommodating.

this is their logo and the box cover

Everytime I visit this bakeshop, it will take me a lot of time to get to choose what I want to eat because they have so many choices that can literally overwhelm you. From breads to cookies to cakes and cupcakes. Just say what you want and you can find it there. Below are the best-tasting and affordable cupcakes that they have in the chiller.

capuccino cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, choco cupcakes with frosting, choco roll, strawberry roll, mango roll

ube cupcakes, choco loco, red velvet, choco cupcakes, pandan roll and carrot cakes

So far, I am consistent in buying some of their mouth-watering cupcakes that I really don't want to miss and I am even proud to share it with my friends. I even compare it with those popular cupcakes out there like from Sweet Little Things, Cupcaken, Phoebe's or Leona's.

red velvet and cappuccino cupcakes

choco cupcakes with icing

lemon cupcakes

ChocoLoco

Angelica's Bakeshop never fails to amaze their customers with their cakes and pastries. They are so consistent with both the taste and value of your money. If you are looking for an affordable treat for your family and friends, this is the right place for you. They also offer cakes for all occasions and accepts orders for personalized cakes.


Angelica's Bakeshop
Juana Osmeña Blvd., Jones Ave., Cebu City
(032)253-4077 / 1214

Banilad Town Center
(032)416-2271

Salinas Drive, Cebu City
(032)417-2005

Joed's Lutong Hapon : Cebu City's ONLY Japanese Carenderia

Talking about Japanese cuisine, everyone loves to eat it especially if we talk about the common ingredients in the tradition which is fish. It is often grilled, however it may also be served raw as sashimi or sushi which is so popular throughout the world. Seafoods and vegetables are also their common ingredients. They also have meat-based dishes commonly known as tonkatsu.

If you are in Cebu City and you are craving for Japanese dishes which are very affordable like half the regular price compared to any popular Japanese restaurants out there, Joed's Lutong Hapon is the place to be. This is the only Japanese Carenderia in Cebu City that offers a wide array of Japanese dishes. Name it and they will cook it for you. What is good about this establishment is that the owners (Joan and Edgar Malapitan) will personally attend to your orders and Edgar who was once a chef in Japan, aside from being so accommodating, will do the preparation and cooking for you.

the carenderia's unique logo

Their first and original location was at their residential address in Mabolo but they moved to a bigger and better location at the G/F of Enmore Residence Hall beside Sacred Heart Girls' High at the back of Cebu Doctors' Hospital, Don Jose Avila Street. They also have a smaller branch at Panagdait right across Sarrosa International Hotel and Residential Suites.

G/F Enmore Residence Hall beside Sacred Heart Girls' High, Don Jose Avila Street

 

 

 

the main entrance

I've been longing to visit this talk-of-the-town carenderia because of their affordable and delicious dishes until one of my friends invited me for lunch and without any hesitations, I accepted his invite knowing that it will be my first time to eat there. Joed's Lutong Hapon became so popular because of the word of mouth only.

When we arrived at the location, we did not waste any time but asked for their menu for we were so excited and hungry at the same time and here's what they gave us...

the menu

It took us how many minutes to pick what we want to eat because we were so overwhelmed with the prices for it was so affordable and knowing that they are mouth-watering and delicious Japanese dishes. At long last, we finally decided what to order...

Beef Teriyaki Php95.00

Calamares Php100.00

California Maki Php65.00 - my favorite!

Crab Tempura Php50.00

We were so full after we consumed everything and definitely we got the value of our money. We left the carenderia with full tummies and big smiles. Surely, we will visit this establishment again. Why don't you try and see the value of your money for a sumptuous lunch or dinner?  It's definitely worth it.

For more details and updates about Joed's Lutong Hapon, visit and like their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/joedslutonghapon

Hours of Operation:
Mondays to Saturdays at 11:00am to 2:00am
Sundays at 6:00pm to 2:00am

Contact Number:
(032) 413-8343

Serenity...overcoming stress and anxiety!

Serenity means maintaining a sense of inner peace even in difficult situations. It is by accepting the things we cannot change and focusing our energy where we can make a difference. Despite of all the stress and anxieties that I have with work or even my personal life, I still manage to maintain a serene and peaceful state of mind.

I bought these at Metro Gaisano - Ayala but you can also find these items in any department stores:

a porcelain burner - around Php50.00-90.00 (it depends on the design and size)
a pack of Talent Fareast scented candles - Vanilla - Php 39.00 (it also has lemon, sampaguita etc.)
a bottle of Huile Parfumee scented oil - Lavender for relaxation - Php29.00 (it comes with a lot of scents...)

My room smells like I'm in a spa when the scented oil starts to boil in the burner. You can really feel that your body and mind is so relaxed.

Try it out and free yourself from worries and stress but just a gentle reminder, always check the oil and watch over the candle to avoid fire.

Father's Day (Lunch) Celebration

Afternoon of June 16, Father's Day, my friend and I went to Ayala Center-Cebu to stroll and simply kill the time. We don't have lunch yet that's why we decided to go to Sbarro to treat ourselves with Italian pizza and pasta. Sbarro is known to serve freshly-made pizzas and pastas in huge portions to satisfy any cravings. Here's what we had...

meatballs and pasta stuffed pizza with tomato sauce... delizioso!

  tortellini with tomato sauce and garlic bread

                                                                              

 I enjoyed eating the stuffed pizza. However, I don't like the tortellini because it is so starchy when you start chewing it. I was expecting that since it is a pasta, it should be 'al dente' but unfortunately, it's not. I will never eat this again but I want to try their other pizzas and pastas soon.

• Ayala Center Cebu
  2nd Level Ayala Center Cebu,
  Cebu Business Park, Archbishop Reyes Ave.
  Cebu City
  (032)233.6186
  10:00 am – 9:00 pm